Subject: Unusual insect – found in KY
Location: Louisville, KY
July 23, 2012 6:15 am
Dear Bugman,
I was out doing some macro photography at a local arboretum outside of Louisville, Ky. when I found this little critter hanging out on the side of a coneflower.
I have seen one like it before, only white, hiding on some purple milkweed but I have no idea what they are. Any ideas?
Signature: John S
Hi John,
This effective camouflage artist is an Ambush Bug, a predatory species that often waits on blossoms for prey. The coloration of Ambush Bugs often closely matches the blossoms upon which it waits. The blossoms on the milkweed you mentioned were most likely closer in coloration to the Ambush Bug that resided there.